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OZFIFiaZEIRS 



President. 
G. S. GRIFFITH. 

Vice-Presidents. 

1. Rev. C. DICKSON, D. D. 

2. J 0. BRIDGES. 

3. Hon. J. M. FRAZIER. 

Treasurer. 
J. N. BROWN. 

Corner Calvert and Baltimore Sts. 

Corresponding Seeretai'y. 

W. A. WISONG. 

Recording Secretary. 

Rev. E. R. ESCHBACH. 

Financial Agent. 
Rev. 0. M. McDOWELL. 



i@aipe[ @tf Managers;, 



Rev. CYRUS DICKSON, D. D., 

Rev. H DUNNING, 

Hon. J. M. FRAZIER, 

JOHN N. BROWN, 

WM. A. RODENMAYER, 

GIDEON BANTZ, Frederick, Md. 

Rev J. S. FOULK, 

G. S. GRIFFITH. 

J. C. BRIDGES, 

WM. B. CAN'IELD, 

W. F. GARY, 

Rev. JOHN KULLING, 

J. HENRY GIESE, 

Rev. E. R. ESCHBACH, 

JNO. L. REID, 



Rev. FIELDER ISRAEL, 

Rkv. I. P. COOK, 

W. A. WISONG, 

R. H. WILLIAMS, Frederick. Md. 

Rev. J. G. W T ARE, 

Rkv. GEO. P NICE, 

HENRY W. DRAKELY, 

WM. BRIDGES, 

JESSE TYSON, 

R. M. JANNY, 

SAM'L. M. SHOEMAKER, 

Rev. GEO. P. HAYS, 

Rev. SAM'L. BARNES, 

Rev. J. 0. MILLER, York, Pa. 

A. M. CARTER. 



E & © © M t li V © Q@d)ljfl)i)tt©©, 

G. S. GRIFFITH, Chairman. 

WM. BRIDGES, 

JESSE TYSON, 

WM. B. CANFIELD, 

JOHN L. REID, 

J HENRY GEISE, 

J. N. BROWN, 

J. C BRIDGES, 

Dr. J. C. THOMAS. 



ANNUAL REPORT 

OF THE 

MARYLAND UNION COMMISSION. 



With unfeigned gratitude to the Giver of all good do we re- 
view the happy results qf the work of the Maryland Union Com- 
mission, and present the same to the consideration of those who 
have supported our operations. In so doing, it is but proper to 
set forth, briefly as possible, the occasion, the history, and the re- 
sults of our efforts to alleviate the suffering and promote the good 
of that section of our common country which, most of all, has 
felt the desolation of civil war. 

THE ORIGIN. 

On the 18th of April, 1865, while the blood stains were yet 
fresh upon the battle-fields, feeiing the pressure of the want and 
woe of our fellow-countrymen at the South, at the instigation of 
G. S. Griffith, Esq., a meeting was convened at the rooms of the 
Christian Commission, 91 West Baltimore street, to take into con- 
sideration the propriety of an organization, the object oi which 
should be to ameliorate the condition of the suffering thousands 
in the South. Similar associations had been formed in other 
cities, New York being the central, others auxiliary. The Chris- 
tian and Sanitary Commissions, whose noble work had been known 
and read of all men, had ceased to exist with the war. At this 
meeting it was unanimously resolved to appoint a committee, con- 
sisting of Messrs. John N. Brown, Wm. B. Canfield, Dr. J. C. 
Thomas and Rev. E. R. Eschbach, to make all necessary arrange- 
ments, and to call a more general meeting at as early a day as 
possible, for the purpose of a permanent organization. There was 
no time for delay, and accordingly but little was spent in perfect- 
ing the plan intended. A meeting was called at the rooms of the 



Young Men's Christian Association, 1G0 W. Baltimore street, a 
Constitution was adopted, officers and Board of Managers elected, 
and every necessary arrangement completed for the speedy accom- 
plishment of its benevolent mission. 

PLAN AND PURPOSES. 

The avowed purpose of this Society, as set forth in the first 
article of the Constitution, was to "co-operate with the people of 
the South in rendering assistance to those who were in want and 
had been impoverished by the ravages of war, and to save for the 
country by timely generosity the thousands of refugees whom the 
tides of war had cast upon our hands." 

The assistance was to consist in feeding the hungry and cloth- 
ing the naked; in providing employment for the able, and homes 
tor the disabled ; in furnishing the husbandmen with seed, corn, 
and the implements of industry ; in assisting others to reach dis- 
tant homes and relations, who were able to assist them. The en- 
tire work of the Commission was to be carried on upon a basis 
of Industry, Education, Freedom and Christian Morality. That 
there was great necessity for some such organization not a doubt 
existed in the minds of true philanthropists. The messages borne 
upon every breeze from the South were appeals for help. Multi- 
tudes had been suddenly impoverished ; thousands, whose happy 
homes once rang with the music of merry voices, were now over- 
whelmed with the disasters of a ruinous war, and hushed to a 
moody silence in the despair of an almost hopeless destitution. 
The farmer looked wearily around him, being deprived of every 
means to secure a harvest. His implements, seed, all were gone. 
Everything was lost in many districts. Appeals without num- 
ber came up with increasing earnestness from the land of woe. 
Everywhere the signal of distress was held up to catch the eye 
and secure the attention of disinterested benevolence. All agreed 
that something must be done. How and by what means the 
money was to be raised for the purpose was now the question to 
be settled by this organization. 

PROGRESS. 

The first movement of importance was to call a public meeting, 
that the purposes of this Society might be presented to the people, 
and their sympathy and co-operation be secured, without which 



5 

there could be no success. This meeting was accordingly con- 
vened in the Charles street M. E. Church. Revs. Drs. Cyrus 
Dickson, Thomas Bewail, with several others, addressed the meet- 
ing in behalf of the Commission. The appeals made by these 
speakers produced the desired effect. They were pointed, earnest, 
able, and created a proper impression as to the importance of the 
work contemplated. A new impetus was given to the Commis- 
sion, and a more permanent and decided form to its organization, 
as well as to its operations. Soon after a second meeting was 
deemed expedient, which was held on the evening of the first of 
June, the day appointed by the President as a day of humiliation 
and prayer, with reference to the late lamented President Lin- 
coln. 

On the appointed evening the house was well filled, Mr. G. S. 
Griffith presiding. After the necessary preliminaries, Rev. Geo. 
P. Hays arose and stated that the necessity of organizing a Union 
Commission in Baltimore appeared from the number of refugees 
that daily flocked to the Christian Commission rooms for help to 
return to their homes, from which they had, been driven by a 
merciless conscription. Twenty-five and thirty are coming daily. 
And then the utter destitution of many portions of country where 
the armies had passed and repassed, devouring and destroying 
everything, forced upon the community the necessity of some 
organization to meet this condition of things. The money and 
stores contributed for the relief of the sick and wounded soldiers 
and sailors could not be diverted from its original design. Many 
confounded the U. S. Christian Commission and the American 
Union Commission, by supposing they were one and the same 
thing. The U. S. Christian Commission had been organized with 
reference to the army and navy, but the Union Commission had 
been organized with reference to citizens that had been reduced 
to poverty and distress by the war. 

He was followed by Rev. Dr. Cyrus Dickson, who, in a very 
interesting manner, gave an account of the origin and history of 
the American Union Commission, which had really begun its oper. 
ations a few hours after the evacuation of Richmond, distributing 
to all alike without discrimination. Besides the vast quantities 
of flour, bacon, tea, coffee, sugar, crackers, &c, &c, there were 
other arrangements made for the relief and comfort of the desti- 



tute. The necessity of further aid was then earnestly pressed 
upon the audience by a faithful representation of the prevailing 
distress. As motives, a common Christianity and j^atriotism were 
urged. Eev. Lyman Abbott, Secretary of the Commission in 
New York, followed in an address explaining the character of the 
Commission, its objects and plans, its work, and the means of its 
operation. 

His picture of the condition of the South, illustrated as it was 
by affecting incidents of the suffering, could not but move the 
audience. Rev. Isaac P. Cook, in a few pertinent remarks, cor- 
rected the erroneous impression that the Commission was intended 
to encourage and foster those who had labored to overthrow the 
Government. The meeting was a success, the collection amount- 
ing to over twelve hundred dollars. The notices of the press were 
kind and encouraging, and the exercises were regarded as a fitting 
close to the solemnities of the day. The work went on success- 
fully ; agents were appointed to collect, others to disburse the 
funds. These were at very small expense to the Commission. In 
a short time* the entire Shenandoah Valley was explored by a 
competent committee, and agencies established all along the route 
from Winchester to Woodstock, from Berry ville to Charlestown, 
for gratuitous co-operation and distribution. Others volunteered 
to do freely the work of the Society in the way of exploring the 
field and relieving the destitute, among whom were Revs. W. S. 
Edwards and J. 0. Miller. 

Meanwhile, letters came daily from the needy, representing all 
classes of society and all parts of the country. In response to 
these letters of application, goods and medicines of every descrip- 
tion were forwarded to agents for distribution, or to individuals 
whose need was well authenticated. Blessings were thus conveyed 
to thousands, and many households were made glad through the 
aid we were enabled to furnish them. At a meeting of the Exec- 
utive Committee in New York on the 9th of January, 1866, the 
proposition of uniting with the Freedmen's Aid Society was sub- 
mitted to the Commission by the Parent Society of New York. 
Up to this time the Commission had sustained the relation of an 
auxiliary to that of New York. The proposition was made in 
order to preserve the union of the Parent Society with the Balti- 
more organization, in the event of a union w T ith the former, with 



the Freedmen's Aid Society. This proposition was, however, 
unanimously declined upon the ground that the government and 
agencies already at work were showing proper interest in the wel- 
fare of the colored race. It was thought, too, by reason of our 
peculiar surroundings, such a union would be inexpedient, if not 
disastrous, to the Commission here. There was no question as to 
the propriety and humanity of caring for them ; but that work 
being in the hands of those whose opportunities qualified them 
for it, it was deemed unwise to enter into a new relation. From 
this time the Maryland Union Commission became a distinct and 
independent organization, and as such issued new appeals to the 
people of Maryland, to which there were liberal responses. As 
the winter came on with greater severity, applications for aid be- 
came more numerous, and editorial as well as individual repre- 
sentations still more painful. The Richmond Republic, a loyal 
and trustworthy paper, described the state of things as " enough 
to melt the sternest heart, bidding fair to assume proportions of 
horror in the approaching winter, which curdled the blood to 
contemplate. Money is scarce ; means of subsistence high. The 
wheat crop throughout the South is a failure, and though the corn 
crop is an unusually fine one for the area cultivated, yet the area, 
owing to the obstructions in planting from various causes, is ex- 
ceedingly limited. It makes the heart bleed to think of the suf- 
fering which, if some efficient measures are not adopted for relief, 
may be the terrible lot of thousands of our people when the rigors 
of winter shall aggravate the horrors of the present destitution." 
A letter from Rev. C. A. Raymond, Judge of the United States 
Military Court of the District of the Peninsula of Virginia, to the 
President of the Commission, sets forth the same picture of want 
and woe. " Perhaps," he writes, " in no part of the South has 
there been more general deprivations than in the counties just 
above us. There are now but few portions of the country whose 
prospect for the future are more gloomy than theirs. Not that 
this section has ever been a battle-ground merely, but from the 
fact that, at the beginning of the war, under the influence of sim- 
ple panic, nearly the whole peninsula was abandoned. After an 
absence of nearly four years of unparalleled want and auffering, 
the survivors returned to find their homes occupied by others, 
their stock consumed, and their personal effects, as well as other 



s/ 



8 

implements of husbandry, destroyed. Many are widows, many 
orphans, and the winter, with all its severities in prospect, 
threatens accumulated misery. They need everything, especially 
bedding, clothing, wheat for seed, and farming implements." To 
meet this want, new and fresh efforts had to be made. Already 
the treasury had been overdrawn by former demands, while every 
new revelation proved the suffering and want equal to the most 
painful description. Circulars were issued, setting forth in a con- 
densed form this state of things, together with the objects of the 
Society, and sent to the pastors of the various congregations 
throughout the State. These served a good purpose. As a result, 
hundreds of dollars were contributed for the work by churches 
and individuals. With an increase of funds, there was a corres- 
ponding ability to effect the purposes of the Commission. It is 
but proper to state that, while the Commission was intent upon 
relieving the temporal wants of sufferers, they by no means 
neglected the important matter of the mind and morals ; for this 
purpose near ten thousand Bibles, testaments, tracts, religious 
papers, books and periodicals, were distributed among them, 
which were appreciated, and we have good reason to believe that, 
through the blessing of God, they have been the means of accom- 
plishing great good. 

CONCLUSION. 

Thus, in as brief a manner as possible, the reader has in detail 
the origin, purpose, plans and progress of the Maryland Union 
Commission. It must not be supposed that success smiled upon 
us as the reward of our efforts without difficulty ; on the contrary, 
there was much to contend against in the outset. Embarrass- 
ments and difficulties were often in the way of the Executive 
Committee. Some looked upon the whole work with suspicion ; 
others would allow a mistaken notion of it to deter them from 
rendering needed assistance. Want of sympathy and co-operation 
naturally had its discouraging effect upon them. But, stimulated 
by the pure desire to relieve and elevate suffering humanity, 
regardless of every form of' difficulty, they labored on, and the 
results attest the energy with which the work was c&rjied forward. 
It is but just to say here, that much is due to the disinterested 
energy of the President, who never wearied of the arduous duties 



9 

imposed upon him by reason of his relation to the Commission. 
Led on by the example of his generosity and untiring devotion 
to the cause, they were constantly stimulated to labor for the 
benefit of the needy. 

The economy with which the work was carried on is worthy of 
special notice. A very small amount has been expended in the 
item of agencies, appliances, &c. The same machinery which 
served the Christian Commission, to a great extent, carried on the 
work of the Union Commission. Many of the agents were at work 
gratuitously. A portion of the time Adams & Co.'s Express 
carried the goods free of expense. The rooms and appliances in 
which the local work was clone were given gratuitously by the 
President, so that nearly all the money contributed to the cause 
went directly to the intended object. With such advantages, it 
is not very wonderful that the Commission has accomplished what 
it did. It lost but little time in its earliest movements. Almost 
the first work done was that of inspecting the field of labor, and 
of ascertaining what was to be done, and by what means. In the 
very beginning, various parts of Virginia were explored by mem- 
bers of the Board. Committees of reference and co-oneration were 
appointed at the various towns and villages along the Valley. 
Every arrangement was made to increase and continue the work 
of relief. AVinchester was selected as the chief depot of supplies. 
While prosecuting the work thus vigorously in the South, the 
Commission was none the less active at home. Daily Southern 
refugees arrived, and their utter destitution required immediate 
aid. These were cared for — fed, clothed, and in many cases pro- 
vided with comfortable and permanent homes, where they are 
now doing well. Thus has this Society done what it could for the 
relief of the suffering. In its efforts to relieve, it has been influ- 
enced by the purest motives. It never stopped to ask " who is my 
neighbor?" but, like the good Samaritan, lifted up the faint and 
fallen, whether friend or foe, and administered the oil and wine 
of substantial relief. All alike were the objects of its sympathy 
and care ; and while many imperfections remain to be deplored, yet 
it is with unaffected gratitude that the objects of its organization 
have been so well attained, and that so great good has been accom- 
plished ; and while ours is the happiness, to God be all the 
glory. 



10 
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS RECEIVED. 



296 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, Dec. 8, 1865. 
Mr. G. S. Griffith, Pres. Md, Union Com. : 

Dear Bro. : — The two hundred dollars with which you were kind enough to 
supply me for distribution in Virginia, gave much needed relief to a number 
of famil es that came to my notice during my recent visit to ihat State. I 
endeavored to seek out the most needy and the most deserving among them. I 
disbursed one hundred and seventy dollars to nine different families, all of them 
greatly reduced by the war, and some of them in an absolutely suffering condi- 
tion. Thirty dollars I left in the hands of a reliable Christian gentleman for 
the benefit of some parties whom I could not reach in person. I was careful 
to state the source from whence the relief came — the Union Commission. I 
know of no enteiprize more deserving the prayers and support of Christian 
people than that represented by you. 

No statements I have seen equal the facts as to the destitution of the masses of 
the Southern people. Without immediate help, there must be great suffering. 
Clothing is especially needed. I saw women and children hardly sufficiently 
clad for summer. May the Father of mercies, who blesses the evil and the 
good, give you His smiles in your work of faith and love. 

I regret my detention from your meeting last night Our collection for the 
Commission, yesterday, was a little upwards of a hundred dollars. "With 
thanks for your kindness, and prayer for your success, 

I remain, yours truly, Wji. S. Edwards, 

Pastor Fayette Street M. E. Church, Baltimore, Md. 



Barnum's City Hotel, Baltimore, Jan. 29, 1866. 
G. S. Griffith, Esq., Pres. Md. Union Com.. : 

Dear Sir : — I beg leave to say to you, that I am now in this city as the 
representative of '' The Union and Church Hill Humane Association " of the 
city of Richmond, Va. The object of this Association is to afford immediate 
assistance to the necessitous and starving poor, living on the suburbs of the 
city, outside the corporation limits, many of whom have been thrown out of 
their habitations in mid-winter, without means to command a shelter, or to 
purchase bread for themselves and helpless children. The greatest sufferers 
are the widows and orphans, many of whom must have speedy relief, or they 
must perish. The citizens of Richmond and its vicinity have done, and are 
now doing all they can to assist these breadless, penni.ess sufferers ; but it is 
impossible, in the present condition of our people, to raise a sufficiency of 
money to meet the demands upon us. In view of the inadequacy of our means, 
I have ventured to submit the claims of our Association, through you, to the 
favorable consideration of the benevolent institution over which you have the 
honor to preside. I present it to you, on the broad ground of suffering hu- 
manity. Any donation in money, clothing, or provisions, which it may be the 



11 

pleasure of the Maryland Branch of the Am. Union Commission to make to the 
Association which I have the honor to represent, in this application, will be 
gratefully acknowledged, duly reported, and judiciously applied. I shall 
remain in the city until Thursday afternoon of this week, during which time 
any communication addressed to me at 234 Barnum's Hotel, or at the office of 
Wm. T. Smithson, Esq., 224 Baltimore street, will receive prompt acknowl- 
edgment. 

Hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, and to hear something 
favorable for the urgent cause that calls me to your city as a solicitor for alms, 
I am, my dear sir, yours, very respectfully, 

Jno. E. Edwards. 



Baltimore, February 2, 1866. 
Mr. G. S. Griffith, Pres. Md. Branch Am. Union Com. .- 

Dear Sir : — Allow me to return, through you, my very sincere thanks to the 
Association which you represent, for the fifty dollars appropriated to the relief 
of the sufferers on the suburbs of Richmond, Va. ; and also for the box of 
clothing forwarded to A. Y. Stokes, Esq., for the same object. 

Very respectfully, Jno. E. Edwards. 



Prince Edward Court House, March 10, 1866. 
Mr. G. S. Griffith, Pres. Md. Union Com. : 

Dear Sir : — With heartfelt gratitude do I sign the receipt. I am thankful 
for any assistance whatever. Am only sorry that your funds are nearly ex- 
hausted, as I know many poor creatures will suffer who would not if you had 
the means. 

May God bless the Union Commission forever is the prayer of you friend, 

Mrs. J. R. B. 



Prince Edward Court House, Va., Dec. 29, 1865. 
G. S. Griffith, Esq., Pres. Md. Union Com. : 

Dear Sir : — It is with a trembling hand and sad heart that I pen these lines, 
but can but hope my tale of sorrow will have a listening ear and a heart ready- 
to assist the needy. Like many Southern families, we are left poor and needy 
and no one in our once flourishing State to call on for aid. Hearing of the 
societies that are formed for such as are in my destitute condition, I am embold- 
ened to call on our Northern friends to ask for help. I am a widow with seven 
children, and am left entirely without means to buy the most essential articles. 
My children must grow up in ignorance, which, to me, is most distressing. I 
can but beg that the Union Commission will aid us. The Northern people can 
form but a faint idea of the situation of the Virginians. The armies have des- 
olated us. I beg you will send me means for our immediate relief, to purchase 
clothes and provisions, for which I am sure God will bless you. 

The above is certified to by a most respectable gentleman in Virginia. 



Wents Worth, March 15. 
Mr. G. S. Griffith : 

Dear Sir : — Being anxious to obtain assistance, and having heard of your 



12 

Commission for the relief of the poor of the South, we beg that you will aid 
us, as we lost everything during the war. 

With respect, Misses W 

P. S. — Please direct to Fredericksburg, Va. 



Fredericksrurg, March 20. 
Mr. G. S. Griffith : 

Dear Sir: — Please accept our thanks for the fifteen dollars which you so 
kindly sent us. With feelings of gratitude, we are your true friends, 

Misses W. 



Chatterton P. 0., King George Co., Ya., March 17, 1866. 
G. S. Griffith, Esq., Pres. Md. Union Com.: 

Dear Sir : — I have heard lately that your Society has been giving relief to 
those at the South who have lost nearly all means of support. I would respect- 
fully state that I have lost nearly everything of value; besides, I have had a 
sick family for several months. May I ask, if you have the funds, to st nd me 
a small sum, assuring you that it will be most thankfully received. 

Yours, respectfully, Mrs. J. M. 

Near Chatterton P. 0., March 29, 1866. 
G. S. Griffith, Pres. Md. Union Com. : 

Dear Sir :— Herewith enclosed you will find receipt for ten dollars. Please 
accept my sincere thanks for the aid. 

Yours, very truly, Mrs. J. M. 

Fairmont, Dec. 26, 1865. 
Rev. F. Israel : 

Dear Brother : — I have just returned from Charleston, Big Kanawha, and 
I know not how to descril e the condition of things there better than to say to 
you that they are much as they are about Winchester. Much ot the town 
has been destroyed, and quite a number of the best buildings burned. — 
Business very much prostrated, money scarce, and all the material of living 
scarce and high ; vnA as would naturally follow such a state of things, a very 
large amount of suffering and want is the result; and this will be constantly 
increased as the winter advances. Something has been done by a few of ihe 
benevolent w r ho have something left them to relieve ihis state of things, and a 
little by the county, but it is only as the drop o/ the bucket compared to the 
rea 1 want. Mr. Greenbury Slack tells me that not a &a,y passes that he is not 
appli' d to for help. 

It was very rainy and cold while I vas at Charleston, and I could not get 
out in the country much ; but I will give you the result of one day, and Mr. 
Slack is to furnish me with a list in a few days, more full. 

I found four widows of soldiers, husbands all died in the army, representing 
thirteen children. All very poor. 

I came across an old man, Mr. Marsha], blind, and two small grand-children, 
very poor indeed. 

A Mr. Coleman and wife, very old and very poor. Besides the above, a Mr. 
Selby, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Burk, and Mrs. Marshal, all deeply needy. 



13 

Mr. Sanford, who was with me, and has given all the attention that he could 
to the matter, says that if they could get help in the way of clothing and shoes, 
he thinks they would make out for bread. I will now say that I think I could 
get a considerable amount of supplies from Wheeling for Kanawha region. 
Shall I do it? 

I have made arrangements to have the supplies sent from Elenboro to Glen- 
ville. Have you forwarded them as requested? Have you sent to my own 
address at Clarksburg a box or package for Mrs. Elison and children? 

The things have gone safe to Centreville, and I will be there this week my- 
self, and will report on my return home more fully. 

Yours, very truly, &c. 

J. L. Irwin. 



Richmond, Va., March 10th, 1866. 
G. S. Griffith, Esq., Prcs. Md. Union Com. : 

Dear Sir : — I had the pleasure and honor on yesterday to receive both the 
box and check sent by you. 

Allow me to return you on behalf of those who are to be the beneficiaries, as 
well as on my own behalf as an agent in this matter, our most sincere thanks. 
Our prayers are that Heaven's blessings may rest on you and on the Society. 

Enclosed you will please find the receipt signed. 

With many wishes for your success and happiness, I am, sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

T. II. Haynes. 



Near Edensburg, Va., February 28, 1866 
Mr. G. S. Griffith, Prcs. Md. Union Com.: 

Dear Sir : — Your very welcome letter reached me last night, and I must ac- 
know edge that I feel at a loss to know how to utter my thanks and deep feel- 
ings of gratitude for the remittance and the interest you have taken iu my des- 
titute condition. We are without a home and penniless, and I do not. know 
what may be my future destiny, or in what quarter of the globe my mournful 
pilgrimage may lie, but of this I am sure, while memory lasts, I can never for- 
get the Maryland Union Commission. 
Yours, truly, 

Mrs. M. C. S. 

Farmyille, February 21st, 1866. 
Mr. Griffith: 

Sir : — Your letter containing the kind donation was duly received and ap- 
preciated. It brings relief at a time when most needed, and has filled our 
hearts witli undying gratitude. Ma the Lord reward you and those united 
with you in relieving the wants of the destitute in this our once happy but now 
suffering country. The box you kiidly promise has not yet arrived. I hope 
it will come .-afely to hand, as its contents are much needed by myself and niece. 
Enclosed you will find the receipt with my name affixed. 
With the deepest gratitude, 

A. L. W 



14 

Charleston, May 1, 186G. 
Mr. G. S Griffith: 

My Dear Sir : — Please accept the grateful acknowledgments of myself and 
many friends for the generous donations of Sunday-school books you have 
been pleased to send us. Situated as you are amid flourishing trade and the 
attendant comforts of peaceful and prosperous life, you are scarcely prepared 
to estimate the value and importance of the gifts you have thus bestowed. Your 
books have started into life some six Sunday-schools, which, without your gen- 
erosity would have been still dead. The desolations of war not only reached 
our home : it swept over our churches, and we never can forget the kindness 
and sympathy of our Maryland brethren, who, ignoring the past, looked only 
to the present and the future, and gave this "cup" of blessing to "these, 
the least of Christ's disciples." God bless you, sir, in your good work. 

The intimations that have reached us, that the Union Commission will soon 
close its labors, have been painful indeed to us ; but yourself and co-laborers 
have the proud consciousness that your piety has enabled you to rise above 
sectional strife, and your philanthropy above party contest. 

Yours, very truly, F. A. Mood, 

Presiding Elder Charleston District and Editor Weekly Record. 



Goldsboro', N. C, March 17, 1866. 
G. S. Griffith, Esq., Pres. Union Com., Baltimore, Md. : 

Dear Sir: — Enclosed please find receipt for ($15) fifteen dollars, for the 
bem fit of two indigent families of this community, for which accept both my 
and their grateful acknowledgments. I will immediately expend for their use 
the amount, received, and inform them the source of this ben faction. With 
the sincere wish that all who are in any way connected with your humane and 
charitable organization may realize that " it is more blessed to give than to 
receive," I have the honor to subscribe myself, 

Your obedient servant, Jno. F. Miller. 



Salisbury, N. C, Nov. 2, 18G6. 
G. S. Griffith, Esq. : 

My Dkar Brother : — I hereby gratefully acknowledge the receipt of your 
favors of the 5th and 10th ult., the former containing $25 from the " Com. of 
the Union Commission," and $5 from the Rev. J. W. Santee, Cavetown, Md., 
and the latter containing $5, to pay freight on box books. For the timely aid, 
thus furnished, I tender my thanks to you and the body you represent. The 
reading matter sent has not yet reached me, but is looked for with great anx- 
iety by my people. The kind sympathy thus manifested is highly appreciated 
by us. May the Lord abundantly bles3 you and the Union Commission for 
your labor of love I wish here to express my conviction, that nothing has 
done, or will do so much, to bring the two sections of our country into har- 
mony as the labors of the U. Com. All good men in the South rejoice over the 
great and good work of the " Christian Commission," and now their hearts are 
made glad with the operations of the " U. Cum." 



15 

It is due to myself to say, that the acknowledgment has been delayed in con- 
sequence of severe affliction in my family. 

Yours, most sincerely, Thornton Butler. 



Shaw's Mills, N. C, May 16, 1866. 
G. S. Griffith, Pres. Md. U. Com. : 

Dear Bro. : — I cannot deny myself the pleasure of expressing my sense of 
the value of the good work achieved by the Maryland Union Commission, and 
also of my personal indebtedness. My own indebtedness is two-fold : First, 
for acts of Christian kindness toward myself in those dark hours of suffering 
and want that have fallen upon us, and for which we daily invoke the blessing 
of God on our benefactors ; second, it put upon me the great honor of being 
the almoner of its bounty to others — of your gifts to the suffering and the poor. 

Your work was a noble Christian charity, and will remain as one of those 
peculiar fruits of our holy faith. Yours was the honorable work to feed the 
hungry, relieve the poor, mir.ister to those in distress, for Christ. As I have 
seen the joy and heard the thanks of the needy, 1 have blessed God for tbe 
Maryland Union Commission. My only regret has been, that the charity put 
at your disposal by the benevolent, was not equal to the need of the suffering 
victims of the war and to the generous impulses of the heart of the Commission 
to spread light and comfort over those dark scenes of want suffering and death. 
Yours, in the service of the Lord Jesus, 

G. Wm. Welker. 



Lincolnton, N. C, Feb. 15, I860. 
G. S. Griffith, Esq., Pres. Md. IT. Com. : 

Dear Sir : — Your letter, dated January 26th, informing me of the shipment 
of two boxes of book?, goods, &c, was duly received. I am happy to be able 
to inform you that the boxes came safely to hand. I return to you my sincere 
thanks for your personal kindness Please present my thanks to the Maryland 
Union Commission, of which you are the President, for the papers, pamphlets, 
&c, which accompanied the goods. I hope and pray, that He who has 
promised to reward the giver of a cup of cold water to one of His little ones, 
will reward you all for your many acts of kindness, and especially rewurd you 
for this act of kindness, which has both refreshed my spirits, and laid me under 
lasting obligations of gratitude. 

I am, yours truly, J. Ingold. 



16 



STATISTICAL REPORT. 



DISBURSEMENTS. 



Paid for purchase of goods, 
provisions, grain, cloth- 
ing, medicines, &c $4,415 41 

Publications, advertis'g, ac- 
knowledgments, express, 
drMyage, postage 732 42 

Board of refugees, while 
they were seeking employ- 
ment 415 72 

Paid for salaries 1,130 00 

Traveling expenses, collect- 
ing, organizing Branch 
Associations, and explor- 
ing field 557 08 

Paid for publishing report.. 40 00 

Paid to individuals, and 
families, and for transpor- 
tation of refugees 5,130 00 

812,420 63 



CASH RECEIPTS. 



$12,420 63 



$12,420 63 

We, the undersigned, appointed to examine the books and accounts of the 
Maryland Union Commission, respectfully report, that we find the books in 
order, and the accounts correct, supported by proper vouchers. 

W. A WISOVG, 
J. C BRIDGES, 
W. F. CAREY. 

GOODS. 

Number of cases of goods received and distributed 273 

" " garments distributed 2,740 

" '•' yards cloth " 330 

INDIVIDUALS. 

Number of individuals assisted with money 431 

" " " " " goods 518 

FAMILIES. 

Number of families assisted with money 177 

" " " " " goods 315 

Total number of individuals and families assisted with money and goods 1,441 
PUBLICATIONS. 

Number of Bible- distributed 1,005 

" "Testaments " 1,930 

" " Library Books distributed 6.662 

" " Religious papers, pamphlets, small books, &c, distributed... 2 575 

$£t- At a low calculation, the value of the stores distributed is estimated 
at $11,700, making, with money distributed, $24,120.63 distributed. 



17 



DONATIONS 



G. S.Griffith $500 00 

Jesse Tyson 250 00 

J. C. Bridges 100 00 

Dr. John Fisher.. 100 00 

Collection at Charles St. M. 

E. Church 182 22 

Miss Potter 3 00 

Mr. Lough 10 00 

Mr. Williams 1 00 

Rev. Dr Fuller 20 00 

J.N.Brown G 50 

Second Presbyterian Church 31 92 

W. F. Murdock 5 00 

Monument St. M. E Church 23 38 

Kirkland, Chase & Co 100 00 

W. A. Rodenmayer 25 00 

Sherwood & Co..'. 16 00 

Third German Ref. Church, 

Baltimore 26 76 

First English Luth. Church.. 50 00 

Union Square M. E. Church.. 16 T:i 

Madison Ave. M. E. Church.. 25 15 

Light St. M. E. Church 41 00 

Second Pres. Church, Balto.. 70 On 

Cash 5 00 

Rev. D. E. Reese, Frederick.. 10 85 

Chatsworth M. E. Church... 35 83 

Rev. R. Norris 6 60 

Dr. J. H. McCullougb 50 00 

W. B. Canfield 10 00 

G. W. Gail & Ax 100 00 

Harford Ave. M. E. Church 7 65 

M. E. Church, Frederick 12 50 

Ref. New Oxford Church, Pa., 

W. F. K. Davis. 13 00 

J. R. Kelso, Jr 20 00 

Mary S. Kelso.. 5 00 

Hebrew Church, Rev. H. 

Hockheimer 25 00 

Ger. Ref. Church, Alexan- 
dria, Pa., per Rev. J. AY". 

Love 31 25 

Ger. Ref. Church, Manches- 
ter, Carroll Co., per Rev. 

J. W. Hoffmier 10 00 

Ger. Ref. Church, Hunting- 
don Co., Pa 12 00 

Rabbi of Oheb. Shalom Cong. 

of Balto 150 00 

Presbyterian Church, Fred- 
erick, Rev. R. H. Williams 52 00 
From sundry parties through 

G. S. Griffith 140 00 

2 



A Friend, through Rev. Dr. 

Dickson 5 00 

Ger. Ref. and Pres. Cong, per 

Rev. W. B. Scarborough... 32 12 
Ger. Ref. and Luth. Cong. 

Shrewsbury. York Co , Pa. 23 00 
Broadlvay M. E. Church, per 

Rev. A. E. Gibson 66 80 

Whatcoat M. E. Church, Rev. 

C. Tippet 22 00 

J. Corner & Sons 50 00 

Mr. Rose 1 00 

J.R.Kelso 50 00 

Ger.Ref. Church, Paradise, Pa 63 75 

Strawberry Ridge 5 34 

Miss Whitworth 1 00 

F. Lightner 5 00 

Hebrew Church 10 00 

Westminster Church, Balto. 

Rev. Dr. Dickson 230 71 

Ger. Ref. Church, Nockamix- 

on, Buckville, Pa 14 00 

J. S. Waters 5 00 

Isaac Norris 50 00 

St. John Lutheran Church, 

Rev. C. H. Brandau 44 25 

M. Keith, Jr., & Sons 25 00 

W. F. Gary 5 00 

Eutaw M. E. Church, Rev. 

J. A. McCauley 31 95 

Rev. John Kulhng 5 00 

M. W. Forney 10 00 

Rev. H. Schieb 162 00 

A. Schumaker 100 00 

A Friend, S. W 50 00 

Miss E. T 200 00 

F. C.Hall 1 50 

Krische & Oelbermann, Phil. 25 00 
Fayette Street M. E. Church 

through H. W. Drakely... 660 60 
Ger. Ref. Church, Frederick, 

Rev. Dr. Zacharias 43 50 

Constitutional Pres. Church 25 00 
Cash, collected from sundry 

parties, through Rev. O. 

M. MeDowall 51 00 

Wilkesbarre M. E. Church... 18 50 

Woodville M. E. Church 8 08 

Cash, collected through Rev. 

E. E.Allen 46 7o 

Jas. R. Drege 20 00 

Cash from rent of steamer... 25 00 

Louis Weiglein io 00 



18 



D. B. Kurtz 5 00 

J. Cooper Price, Rochester, 

New York 100 00 

Cash 1 00 

Miss Birnie 25 00 

Rev. G. R. Bent, agent U. S. 

Chris. Com 100 00 

Ger. Ref. Church, Race St., 

Phila., per Chas. Santee... 158 00 

Prof. M. L. Stoever 5 00 

R. G. McCreary 10 00 

Jas. S. Long 20 00 

Luth. Congregation, Bruns- 
wick, N. Y 75 00 

Cash from Pittston, Penn., 

through Rev. O. M. Mc- 

Dowall 14 00 

W. H. Lawall, thro' Chas. 

Santee 20 00 

J. W. Santee 5 00 

Rev. George Pearson 5 00 

Per Rev. Henry M Nixdoif.. 39 00 

C. Cooke, Smyrna, Del 42 00 

H.D.Harvey 10 00 

W. H. Curry 30 00 

Rev. J. M. Grether, Ashland 

Co., Ohio 10 00 

Smithfie'd Baptist Church, 

thro' Rev. W.A.Barnes... 2 83 

Mrs. Margarett Smith 10 00 

Mill Creek Baptist Church, 

thro' Rev. W. A. Barnes.. 2 03 

Chas. A. Morris, York, Pa.. 50 00 

Mrs. H. Grant 1 00 

Rev. J. W. Hummersley, 

Camden, Del 75 00 

J. G.White, Greensboro', Del. 10 00 
Additional from Fayette St. 

M. E. Church, through H. 

\V. Drakely 128 00 

Dr. McCullough 5 00 

Aisquith St. Pris. Chuub... 1! 50 
Wesley Chapel, per Rev. YV. 

H. Chapman 26 20 

Associate Reformed Congre- 
gation, per Rev. F. Israel <il 75 
Second Presbyterian Church, 

per Rev. G. P. Havs 4<> on 

Williamsburg M. E. CI urch, 

Rev. Jno. A. Dixon 15 25 

Presby'n. Church, Frederick. 

thro' Rev. R. H. Williams 81) 00 
McKendree M E. Church, 

Washington 16 05 

William St. M. E. Church... 27 11 
R. C. Haslup, Emmittsburg 3 50 

High St. M. E. Church . 38 92 

Spruce Creek, Pa., per Rei . 

D. G. Owens 24 75 



Bridge St. Church, per Rev. 

W. H. Dongal 40 00 

First German M. E. Church, 
per J. G. Lutz 11 00 

Monument St. and Harford 

Ave. M. E. Churches 22 31 

Luth'n. Church, Tiffin, Ohio, 
W. W. Curler 18 48 

M. E. Church, Port Deposit 17 00 

M. E. Church, Huntingdon, 

Pa., J. A. Price 24 34 

Rev. D. S. Monroe, Curwens- 
ville. Pa 35 00 

H. C. Pardoe, Middletown... 20 00 

South River M. E. Church, 
per Rev. S. H. Cummings 88 18 

Rev. S. Earle. Mechanicsto'n 8 00 

Rev. Hy.Wood, Pres. Ch'ch, 

Steubenville, Ohio 60 00 

Lutherville Union Chris. As- 
sociation, Rev. W. M. Hi- 
lig 42 93 

Rev. D. S. Monroe, Curweus- 

ville, Pa 5 00 

Second Pres. Church, Rev. 

G. P. Hays 20 00 

J. W. Wright, Gallop ville, 

N. Y 21 17 

Lutheran Church, Berlin, Pa. 17 20 

A Lady 15 00 

Sardinia, Indiana, Presbyte- 
rian Church, R. T. Patter- 
son 5 00 

J. H . Der Hamel, St. Thom- 
as Church, Newark 2 40 

Methodist Protestant, R. S. ' 

Rnwe 5 00 

J. Selmser, Clermont, Co- 
lumbia Co., N. Y 35 00 

D. H. Barron, Hollidaysburg 33 00 
A. Bedford, Waverlj , Lu- 
zerne Co., Pa 23 47 

Samuel Small, York, Pa... 100 00 
Mrs. Soml. Small, " "... 50 00 
Chas. A. Morris, " ". 50 00 

David E. Small, ' : "... 50 00 
P A. Small. •' "... 50 00 

E G. Smyser, " "... 25 00 

Dr. H. M. McClellan, " "... 10 00 
J. H. Small, " "... 10 00 

H. Welch, " ".. 10 00 

Seve alworkingmen ' "... 5 00 

E. B. Bender, ' " .. ' 5 ou 
Root & Case, " "... 5 00 
Cash from sundry parties, 

York, Pa... 29 00 
Bear & Winter, " "... 5 00 

Henry Ebert " "... 5 00 

JohnHerr, '■ "... 5 00 



19 



W. H. Kertz, York, Pa... 


5 00 


V. K. Eeesey, 


11 <I 


5 00 


Geo. A. Barnetz, 


" "... 


5 00 


Thos. White, 


(1 (( 


5 00 


John Fahs, 


11 If 


5 00 


Mrs. M«ry Schmidt 


CI (I 


3 00 


Miss Kurtz, 


It 11 


3 00 


A. B. Farquhar, 


II <! 


3 00 


A. Louch, 


" "... 


2 00 


Hiram Young, 


U 11 


2 00 


Mrs. J. C Gregg, 


II II 


2 00 


Miss L. A.Wotherspoon "... 


2 00 


J. Stair, 


ll 11 


2 00 


Jas Kell, 


tl II 


2 00 


Col. Geo Hay, 


II 11 


2 00 


B. F. Hantz, 


11 II 


2 00 


H D. Schmidt, 


II 11 


2 00 


Mrs C. Fishel, 


11 II 


2 GO 


First Luth. Church, 


II II 


21 63 


Mrs. C A West, 


(I II 


13 50 


Mrs. H. Kauffelt, 


II II 


1 00 


D. Heckert, 


II II 


1 00 


Belle M. Gallagher, 


li 11 


1 00 


F. J. Evans, 


II II 


1 00 


Mrs. Rachael Stair, 


II II 


1 00 


Jacob Selly, 


" "... 


1 00 


J. Bastress, 


II 11 


1 00 


Mrs. Lydia Owen, 


1; ll 


1 00 


Mrs. Martin Weigle 


II 11 


1 00 


John Fash, Jr., 


" "... 


1 00 


J. K. Fishel, 


" "... 


1 00 


Miss M . Goodyear, 


U I, 


1 00 


Mrs. H. Laurens, 


" "... 


1 00 


Methodist Dutch 


Reformed 






7 59 


Pennsburg S. S , Chester Co., 




Pa. .. 




40 00 


George J Appold.. 




50 00 


A. G. Broadbent.. 




50 00 






50 00 


Still man, Hinriehs 


& Co 


■j,:, in) 


Poole & Hunt 




25 00 




20 00 


Woodward, Baldwin & Co... 


25 00 






20 no 






2f. 00 




25 00 


Wm. Wilkins. Jr., 


& Co 


25 00 


E L. Parker k Co 




25 00 






25 00 


Huntington Ave. Church... . 


20 00 






10 00 






10 00 






10 00 






10 00 


G S Rodders 




10 00 


J. Q A. Herring . 




.-. Ill) 






5 oo 






5 00 



Cash 

M D. Meyer 

Cash — four $5's 

L. S. Bryan & Co 

A. Stirling 

Cash 

G'sb, from sundry parties. . 

Thomas C. Basshor & Co 

Madison Ave. M. E. Church, 
Rev.B.P. Brown 

Zion Evang. Luth. Church, 
West Sandlake 

Wm. Harty, of Hollidaysb'g 

Presb'n Church, Annapolis, 
Isaac Patterson 

J. B. Redder, of Shrewsbery- 
burg 

Additional fromPres. Ch'ch, 
Frederick 

American Union Commission 
New York 1 

Mrs G. S. Griffith 

i Union M. E. Church, Wil- 
mington, Del 

Isaac Albertson 

J.W. Weirs, Harrisburg, Pa 

Jas. McCormick, " ".. 

Charles L. Bailey, " "... 

Hon.V. A. Hammel, " "... 

Rev. Jas Golden, " "... 

A. Hummel, " "... 

Ho!i. Dav.Flemming, " ".. 

(.'ash, from sundry parties, 
Harrisburg, Pa... 

Mrs. J S Halderman," "... 

T*o Ladies of Harrisb'g, Pa. 

Mrs A. B. Bar'ord, " ' "... 

J C. 15., " "... 

John B. Surion. •' "... 

Hon. Wm. Dock, " "... 

R. H. Hummel. " "... 

W. R. Verbeck, " "... 

Mrs. C. Hutchinson, " "... 

W. H Kelly 

R G McCreary 

M. E. Church, Millingt'n, Md 

Bridge St. Pres. Church 

Baptist Church Causeway.... 

(■ash, collected from sundry 
parties, through Rev. O. 
M. McDowall 

Miss Johns, Harford, per Rev 
George P. Hays 

Rev S. W. Sears, Cumber- 
land, Md 

M. L. Smyser, Frederick Cir- 
cuit, E. Balto. Conf 

J. G. Moore, Shippensburg... 

Western Va 



5 00 

5 00 

20 00 

5 00 

•5 00 

5 00 

39 75 

10 00 

87 09 

10 25 
10 00 

30 48 

1 25 

1 00 



000 


00 


10 


00 


31 


50 


1 


no 


100 


00 


100 


00 


50 


0" 


10 


00 


10 


00 


10 


00 


10 


00 


16 


00 


10 


00 


7 


50 


5 


00 


5 


00 


5 


00 


5 


00 


1 


00 


o 


(III 




50 


5 


00 


20 


00 


3 


00 


6 


50 


7 


40 


72 


00 


o 


00 


6 


50 


76 


36 


3 


00 


1 


00 



20 



Cash, from sundry parties, 

thro' Rev. M. McDowall, 110 00 

Collection, Fayette St. AI. E. 

Church 101 27 

Ger. Ref. Church, Pa. mo- 
ney and goods 225 00 

Hon. Jno. Patton, Curwens- 
ville, Pa 1,000 00 

Cash, from sundry parth s in 
Curwensville, Pa., through 
Rev. D. S. Monroe 55 00 

South River M. E. Church, 

per Rev. S. H. Cummings 14 25 

Berklv Spring Circuit, Rev. 

B. H. Smith 12 35 

Rev.D.S. Alonroe, Curwens- 
ville, Pa 3 00 

Cash, collected through Rev. 

O. M. McDowall 72 fio 

Alfred Kileshere, Bridgeport, 

Aid 1 50 

Charles L Streamer, Snicks- 
burg, Pa 1 00 

Rev. G. Weber, Anamosa 

Congregation 1 10 

H. G. Bowers, of Jefferson... 5 00 

First Ger. Ref. Church, Bal- 
timore 110 40 

Tillie Butz, Easton, Pa. 5 00 

Cash, from sundry parties, 
through Rev. 0. Al. t c- 
Dowall 150 00 



John Cushing, through Rev. 

Mr. Israel. 

Lutln ran Church, through 

Rev. Air. Strobel 

Samuel Summey | Nobsv , ]e 

£ J ./.? re f N. Y. ' 

David tore J 

Airs. Hartsough, Dryden, N. 
York 

Collected, through Rev. O. 
AI. McDowall 

Cash, collected innumeyand 
goods in Western Va., thro' 
Rev. J. L. Irvin 

Long Green Circuit, Rev. L. 
D Heran 

Rev. Al L Srayter 

Francis T King 

Cash, collected in Browns- 
ville and Union Town, Va., 
by Rev. J L Irvin 

Airs Markin, thro' Rev. R. 
H. Williams 

Cash, from sundry partis s, 
thro' Rev. S. H. Cummings 

Evan-;' Ref Church, Freder- 



50 00 



23 


00 


5 


00 


5 


00 


5 


00 


5 


00 


2 


43 



Cash, from sale of steamer. 



635 00 

30 41 
3 00 

10 00 



183 00 

2 00 

11 00 

22 00 
325 00 



$12,420 63 
JNO. N. BROWN, 
Treasurer. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 366 355 3 



